Family of Iryna Zarutska to File Civil Lawsuit over Alleged Light Rail Safety Failures as Anniversary of Death Approaches

Iryna Zarutska's family plans to file lawsuit as new report reveals safety gaps in transit

A new state audit reveals gaps in the security and safety of the Charlotte Area Transit system one year after Iryna Zarutska was killed on the Blue Line in South End. Now her family plans to file a civil lawsuit.

MATTHEWS: The murder of Iryna Zarutska, one year later

It was the evening of Aug. 22, 2025. Like many people on Charlotte’s light rail system that Friday night, Iryna Zarutska was just trying to get home. She had just finished her shift at Zepeddies Pizzeria and probably had plans for that weekend, plans that never came to fruition. She boarded the tra

Family of Iryna Zarutska to file civil lawsuit over alleged light rail safety failures as anniversary of death approaches

The family of Iryna Zarutska plans to file a civil lawsuit as the one-year anniversary of her death approaches.

Has the Charlotte Transit System kept their safety promises after Iryna Zarutska's death?

In September 2025, CATS promised more security personnel, stronger ticket verification, and expanded security technology. Where are they today?